Declan Rice will not be deployed at right back for England's upcoming World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico, despite a promising performance in the position during a recent match. Manager Thomas Tuchel has decided to keep the Arsenal midfielder in his usual role.
Rice was moved to the right-back position in the 71st minute of England's game against DR Congo, when the team was trailing 1-0. England went on to win that match 2-1, with Rice impressing in the unfamiliar defensive role. However, he experienced hamstring pain in the closing stages of the game.
Tuchel is reportedly confident that Rice will be fit for Sunday's match at the Azteca Stadium. However, sources indicate that the manager is not seriously considering using him in defense. The current plan is for Djed Spence to continue at right back, provided Reece James and Jarell Quansah do not recover their fitness.
Rice has been managing long-standing hamstring and back issues throughout the tournament and was rested for the final group game against Panama. Tuchel views Rice's contribution as a midfielder as too vital to the team's strategy to be used to fill other gaps on the pitch.